Michele shared the photo during the same week she and the rest of the Glee family filmed the late Canadian actor's tribute episode. "There were a lot of things that we had to decide [for the memorial episode]," show creator Ryan Murphy explained to Deadline prior to shooting. "At one point, we were going to have his character die after an accidental drug overdose -- that was something we had considered. But we have decided that we're not going to have him pass from that."

"For all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love we're going to get through this together," she said. "He was very special to me and also to the world. We were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart."

She added: "Whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he will stay forever."

The fifth season of Glee premieres on FOX Sept. 26. Monteith's episode will air Oct. 10.